The biology, prevention, diagnosis and conservative treatment of dental caries: A review of newer advances in the field
Introduction/Context/Diagnosis
Dental caries is a multifactorial, biofilm and pH mediated disease that affects people of all ages and disproportionally affects certain populations at epidemic proportions. Despite the overly optimistic claims of success in elimination of the disease, it still continues to torment a large portion of the population. The relationship between demineralization and remineralization can tip the caries balance in either direction- either towards arrest of the disease, or progress of the disease. Restoring teeth that are cavitated does not resolve the disease. Caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) is an evidence-based model intended to provide dentists with a protocol for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of caries by assessing and addressing a patient’s overall oral health, particularly the caries risk.
Methods/Treatment Plan
A comprehensive review of dental and medical literature was completed seeking evidence for current advancements in the dental caries process and prevention strategies. A search of peer-reviewed literature was undertaken using PubMed, CDA journals, and international dental journals with a focus on evidence-based research articles published between 2012 and 2016. Randomized controlled trials, longitudinal experimental clinical studies, and review articles were researched. Data supporting the advancements in dental caries, its process and prevention strategies were sought.
Results/Outcome
The literature demonstrates that there are a variety of strategies available based on current data. The number of clinicians that are actually implementing the prevention model of treatment is still limited.
Significance/Conclusions
Current research has given us a greater understanding of the caries disease concept and advancements in caries diagnosis modalities. Now, carious lesions are being detected at the very initiation of demineralization. This has helped make our preventive strategies more effective. The challenge now is to detect lesion activity at a threshold that leads to appropriate early intervention but also not overtreatment.
Location
University of the Pacific, Dugoni Dental School, San Francisco, CA
Format
Poster
Poster Session
IDS Student Presentations
The biology, prevention, diagnosis and conservative treatment of dental caries: A review of newer advances in the field
University of the Pacific, Dugoni Dental School, San Francisco, CA
Dental caries is a multifactorial, biofilm and pH mediated disease that affects people of all ages and disproportionally affects certain populations at epidemic proportions. Despite the overly optimistic claims of success in elimination of the disease, it still continues to torment a large portion of the population. The relationship between demineralization and remineralization can tip the caries balance in either direction- either towards arrest of the disease, or progress of the disease. Restoring teeth that are cavitated does not resolve the disease. Caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) is an evidence-based model intended to provide dentists with a protocol for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of caries by assessing and addressing a patient’s overall oral health, particularly the caries risk.
